Holding the Emperor Hostage

A max-level life player named Yin Shuhuai died from staying up all night gaming, crossing over to a fictional ancient era with his frozen game account, becoming a puppet emperor known for his incompetence and moral depravity.

In the twilight years of the dynasty, winds of change swept across the land. Various regional lords were scheming to expand their power, and no one took the little emperor, who was content to stay in his corner, seriously. The little emperor took this opportunity to sell official posts and titles, amassing wealth like crazy, secretly building up agriculture and infrastructure, striving to ensure the people under his rule had enough to eat and stay warm, while also enriching their dining tables and entertainment. He paid no mind to the accusations from the aristocratic families and officials that he was extravagantly wasteful, overly reliant on eunuchs, and fond of strange and lewd crafts.

Until someone set their sights on him.

A million-strong army arrived at the city gates. The ambitious Duke of Yan, Shetu Yang, strode into the hall wearing his sword and shoes, forcing the emperor to move the capital, intending to hold the emperor to command the lords.

Facing Shetu Yang’s wolfish ambition, the high officials either bowed and scraped to pledge allegiance, or angrily denounced him as treasonous. Only the little emperor, seated on the dragon throne, looked through the gently swaying twelve tassels of his crown at the overbearing Duke of Yan with a faint smile. Like a clay statue.

Below the steps, Shetu Yang held his sword, looking up at the emperor. Their eyes met. The corner of Shetu Yang’s mouth curved up. Contemptuously, he thought, this little emperor might be incompetent, but his looks are truly excellent. It would be a waste to use him merely as a clay statue.

After the emperor was “forced” to move the capital, he continued to indulge in his luxurious and decadent lifestyle. He loved fine residences, song and dance, delicious food, splendid clothing, fine horses, horseback archery, magnificent lanterns, fireworks, and pear garden troupes… His extravagance was criticized by all.

Until the common people and soldiers too were eating dishes cooked in iron woks, wielding weapons made of hundred-refined steel, sleeping on heated brick beds during cold winters, wearing winter clothes padded with cotton, eating fresh vegetables grown in glass greenhouses, receiving treatment and bandaging from female officials and eunuchs in the palace when sick or injured, watching dance and music performances from palace entertainers during breaks from labor and training, and even having their children attend government schools…

Over several decades, the emperor’s reputation for virtue spread throughout the realm. The four corners submitted, and the hearts of all under heaven turned to him.

Only the ambitious Duke of Yan, with a dark face, complained all day long: “Back then you agreed to let me hold the emperor to command the lords, but now it has become the emperor holding me to command all under heaven. And you even ignore me day and night to handle court affairs”

Before he could finish, the stunningly beautiful Majesty, without even lifting his eyes, crooked a finger at him: “Issue the decree. The Duke of Yan shall stay overnight in the palace tonight.”

The Duke of Yan’s complaints came to an abrupt halt.